Microwave and Ultraviolet Energy Air Sterilization System

ABSTRACT

An air sterilization system utilizing three stages of sterilization using UVC and microwave energy created by one or more magnetrons powered by solid state high voltage supplies. The first stage is formed by a chamber with concentrated 265 nm UVC generated by two rings of UVC leds, the second stage formed by a chamber with a labyrinth to allow maximum exposure of the air by microwaves generated by 2 magnetrons, the third stage is formed with concentrated 265 nm UVC generated by two rings of UVC leds. There are also HEPA filters at both the inlet and outlet of the unit. The unit can be configured to be free standing without specialized installation required or can be hardwired into a circuit. Only the stand-alone unit incorporates a telescoping inlet to the height to be adjusted up to 12 feet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to an air sterilization system incorporating microwave energy and a 265 nm UVC led source adapted for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The present invention relates to the use of microwave energy created by multiple magnetrons within a sealed chamber to expose a column of air and any suspended particles within the air to the microwave energy.

Microwave energy is known for its sterilization properties as well as 265 nm UVC energy.

The present invention provides an air sterilization system using ultraviolet light and microwave energy generated from one or more magnetrons in a manner heretofore unknown, which is described in the following detailed description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a microwave energy air sterilization system also using a HEPA filter as a first stage and a 265 nm UVC source as a second stage sterilization and a third stage HEPA filter as a final stage. For example, the system can be configured to provide sterilized air for commercial, medical, industrial and residential spaces.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a microwave energy sterilization system comprising: a housing forming an internal chamber comprised of steel as a microwave shield in communication with an inlet and an outlet: an air delay unit comprised of alternating passages within the chamber for maximum exposure of air to microwaves the delay unit is construct of RF transparent material. The magnetrons are powered by solid state power supplies to minimize heat and increase efficiency.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed two secondary sterilization stages comprising; a housing forming a UVC exposure chamber. The UVC exposure chamber is mounted one to the outlet and one to the inlet. The inlet and outlet incorporate 99.5% HEPA filters.

The outer enclosure provides access to all components through a removable side panel providing access to the magnetrons and all other components through the side of the enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features, objects and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an air sterilizer system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated within a housing or cabinet.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the delay chamber air path within. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective assembled view of the air sterilizer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all equivalences that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown a microwave and ultraviolet energy air sterilization system in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The microwave and ultraviolet energy air sterilization system includes a collector 100, where air is drawn through the collector 100 at the top of the telescopic tube 101 and 102 then directed to the HEPA filter 104 at the top of the main enclosure 103.

The microwave and ultraviolet energy air sterilization system also includes a housing 113 or cabinet constructed to contain the operative components, assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, and subsystems to be described hereinafter. The housing is constructed to include air inlet and discharge air outlet. The inlet air is directed through a port 105 containing a 265 nm UVC led source 105 delay chamber that directs air through folded passages. This delays the air to assure maximum exposure of the air and any suspended particles to the microwaves. The delay chamber 109 is constructed of RF transparent material, this chamber which forms the second stage is housed within a steel housing 113 with inlet and outlet ports covered with a microwave shielding screen 106.

The microwave and ultraviolet energy air sterilization system's chamber has two magnetrons 107, two on opposing sides and staggered horizontally to assure overlapping microwave coverage within the chamber. Air is discharged through a port 105 containing a 265 nm UVC led source. The side of the cabinet is sealed by the side cover 108. The lower section forms the stand 110 and contains the blowers 111 and directs the air to the floor.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and application of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for processing air for the removal of pathogens, the system comprising: a ceiling level air inlet; a housing containing an Merv 12 filter a first air conduit which is coupled to the first purification stage conduit containing UVC led lights; a sealed chamber containing 10 staggered partitions forming a labyrinth to delay air flow and assure complete exposure to the microwave radiation generated by 2 magnetrons coupled to the chamber by waveguides this chamber also forms a faraday cage to contain microwave radiation inside the chamber; a second air conduit which is separate from the first air conduit and also containing UVC led lights exits to 2 stages of HEPA filters and then to a blower which directs the air to a floor level outlet to assure that air that enters the purifier has circulated throughout the room;
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the air inlet vent is mounted in a position at ceiling level and opposite the floor level outlet, assuring that purified air completely purges the room of pathogens.
 3. The inlet air vent is connected via a duct to a housing which forms a mounting for the inlet air filter the first stage of filtration.
 4. The air from the air filter is directed to the first air conduit which forms the second stage of air filtration and is flooded with UVC light provided by an array of high output UVC leds, air is passed through the high intensity UVC light as a second stage pathogen purifier.
 5. The air then passes into the microwave chamber which forms the third stage of purification, where it enters an array of 10 staggered partitions that perform 2 functions, first the extended path delays the air within the chamber, second the extended path assures exposure to the microwave radiation at its highest peaks, the chamber also forms a faraday cage completely preventing microwave radiation from escaping, microwave radiation is produced by 2 magnetrons powered by solid state inverting supplies coupled to the chamber by waveguides on opposite sides of the chamber.
 6. When the air exits the chamber it then enters the second air conduit which forms the fourth purification stage where it is flooded with UVC light provided by an array of high output UVC leds air is passed through the high intensity UVC light.
 7. The air then enters the final chamber which contains dual stage HEPA filters followed by a squirrel cage blower to provide positive pressure into the floor level outlet vent. 